AKEL: The abandonment of long-standing positions of our side leads to a non-solution

We reproduce a statement issued by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou on May 4th, 2017, in Nicosia:

The effort to solve the Cyprus problem isn’t being made without any foundations whatsoever and out of nowhere. There are decisions that form the basis and the framework of the solution, which are expressed with clarity in numerous UN resolutions on Cyprus. The basis for the solution of the Cyprus problem is bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality as defined in the relevant UN resolutions which the Greek Cypriot side has accepted since 1977 and has reaffirmed several times.

All the Presidents of the Republic of Cyprus have negotiated on this basis. Therefore, no one can bypass the basis of solution by arguing that what is important is not its name, but its content. How can it be said that we are interested in the content of the solution and at the same time avoid taking a position on the issue of the state structure, which is a central issue of the overall formation of each state? The state structure constitutes an essential part of the content of the solution. It is of fundamental importance that all those involved on the Cyprus problem, and above all the two communities, should determine what the state structure will be.

Since 1974, Cyprus has been de facto partitioned as a result of the Turkish invasion and occupation. Through the negotiations we are seeking the liberation and reunification of the country and the people.

The abandonment of long-standing positions of our side, which have been adopted in the United Nations resolutions and decisions on the Cyprus problem and the search for vague and unfeasible new strategies leads to a non- solution. This means the perpetuation of the Turkish occupation, consolidating partition and other very dangerous situations for Cyprus.